Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Delivery, Rhett Duncan, said a few simple checks now could help reduce the impact of severe weather and support water security across the region.
“Queensland summers can bring dry spells, storms and everything in between,” Mr Duncan said.
“Whether it’s using water wisely, preparing your home for storms or knowing where to find service updates, simple actions can help protect your household and support water security across our region,” he said.
Mr Duncan said one of the most important things residents could do was check their overflow relief gully (ORG), the small, grated opening located outside the home and within the property boundary.
“Check it’s not covered or blocked, and that the lid can pop off freely so it can work as designed and help prevent wastewater from backing up into your home during heavy rain,” he said.
Mr Duncan said checking downpipes were connected to stormwater drains or directed to the street kerb could also help reduce the risk of overflows.
“The stormwater network, managed by councils, and the wastewater network are two separate systems that shouldn’t mix,” he said.
“When stormwater incorrectly enters the wastewater network, the system can reach capacity and cause overflows on private property and in the environment.
Ensuring downpipes are connected to the stormwater network helps take pressure off the wastewater system.”
With drier weather forecast for summer, Mr Duncan said residents could also help conserve water by adopting simple waterwise gardening practices.
“Mulching, choosing drought-tolerant plants and watering during the cooler parts of the day can all help your garden thrive while using water more efficiently,” he said.
Mr Duncan said residents should also be prepared for possible service interruptions during severe weather, including power outages that may affect water supply.
“We encourage households to store 10 litres of drinking water per person for drinking and basic hygiene in case of temporary water supply interruptions,” he said.
“Queensland Health advises that water stored in clean containers with secure lids should remain safe to use for a few weeks.”
“Finally, ensure your contact details are up to date with Unitywater so we can contact you quickly in an emergency.”
Mr Duncan said Unitywater crews were also preparing the network for the summer season by completing infrastructure and generator checks, monitoring critical equipment and supplies, and maintaining reservoir levels wherever possible.
“Our teams work year-round to maintain the network, prepare for severe weather and keep essential water and wastewater services flowing,” he said.
“They are on the job 24/7 and ready to respond to water and wastewater issues as quickly and safely as possible.
“Our investment of more than $400 million in maintaining and replacing infrastructure over the next five years is also helping strengthen the resilience of our water and wastewater networks, ensuring we can continue providing safe, reliable and sustainable services to homes and businesses across our region.”
A little preparation now can go a long way – check out Unitywater’s summer checklist:
1. Check your overflow relief gully (or ORG) is not covered or blocked.
2. Check your downpipes are connected to the stormwater drains or out to the street kerb.
3. Choose waterwise for the Garden. Mulch, drought tolerant planting and watering in the cooler parts of day all help your garden go the distance.
4. Keep the basics handy. Batteries, torches and a charged phone. Small things will make a big difference if a storm rolls through. Find more advice on how to build your emergency kit at Get Ready Queensland.
5. Store 10 litres of water per person for three days’ worth of washing, bathing and drinking, in case you experience a water supply interruption during a storm.
6. Update your contact details at My Account so Unitywater can notify you in an emergency.
7. If you lose water during a weather event, check Unitywater’s Outage Map to see if your street is listed, and find out when water is expected to be back on.
